CUNY York College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,686 annually. This total includes $7,358 in in-state tuition, with room and board costs not separately reported as the institution primarily serves commuter students, plus $1,500 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $14,330 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,308 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,874 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $4,456 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,861 |
| $30–48k | $4,161 |
| $48–75k | $7,426 |
| $75–110k | $9,383 |
| $110k+ | $12,520 |
CUNY York College demonstrates exceptional affordability with a published cost of attendance of $13,686 annually. This total includes $7,358 in in-state tuition, with room and board costs not separately reported as the institution primarily serves commuter students, plus $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of just $4,734 after aid packages are applied.
Financial aid provides average savings of $8,952, reducing the actual cost burden by nearly two-thirds from the sticker price. This represents exceptional value, with the net price ranking in the 98.6th percentile nationally for affordability performance. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $14,093, York College students save $9,359 annually, highlighting the institution's commitment to accessible higher education.
CUNY York College's financial aid strategy emphasizes broad access and affordability for students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 43.4% of students qualifying for Pell grants, the institution serves a substantial population of lower-income students who receive significant federal and institutional support.
The $8,952 average financial aid savings represents a 65% reduction from the published cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources. The progressive net price structure concentrates the largest aid amounts toward students with the greatest financial need, with the lowest-income students paying just $3,267 annually.
This aid concentration enables the institution to serve its access mission while maintaining financial sustainability. York College's position within the CUNY system provides access to state aid programs and systemwide financial support that enhance affordability beyond what individual institutions could provide independently.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at CUNY York College remain exceptionally manageable, reflecting the institution's strong affordability performance and effective aid strategies. Median student debt of $11,000 ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for low debt levels, indicating that most graduates enter the workforce with minimal borrowing requirements.
The debt distribution ranges from $2,750 at the 25th percentile to $12,250 at the 75th percentile, showing that even higher-borrowing students maintain reasonable debt loads. Compared to peer institutions where median debt reaches $21,105, York College students graduate with $10,105 less debt on average, representing a substantial advantage in post-graduation financial flexibility.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 indicates that typical debt levels require less than 20% of first-year post-graduation income, well within manageable bounds for sustainable repayment. Parent PLUS borrowers maintain median debt of $11,436 with monthly payments of $151, representing reasonable family investment levels.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The financial investment in CUNY York College education generates strong returns through the combination of minimal debt requirements and earnings that exceed expectations by significant margins. Graduates earn $12,843 beyond what would be predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking in the 89th percentile nationally for value creation.
This earnings premium, combined with median debt of just $11,000, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 that supports rapid debt payoff and financial stability. Compared to peer institutions where graduates earn a median of $50,116, York College graduates earn $6,829 more annually while borrowing $10,105 less, representing a double advantage in return on investment.
The exceptional affordability performance at the 98.6th percentile nationally means that students receive strong educational value at costs well below national averages. With net prices ranging from $3,267 for lowest-income students to $12,206 for highest-income families, the investment remains accessible across economic backgrounds while producing consistently strong career outcomes.
